U16 Stars Named to NAPHL All-Star Game

The North American Prospects Hockey League held its fourth annual 16U NAPHL All-Star game on Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Schwan Super Rink in Blaine, MN.

The event was held in conjunction with the fourth NAPHL showcase of the season and for the first time in league history was held in conjunction with the U18 All-Star game.

In keeping with the rich tradition of the league, the NAPHL named the All-Star Teams this season after two legendary builders of youth hockey in the United States and the NAPHL, Dean Dixon and Bob Suter. Each of the two All-Star teams consisted of 12 forwards, six defensemen and two goaltenders.

Esmark Stars 16U AAA forwards JT Schmizzi and Christian Gorscak and defensemen Billy Rapone and Ethan Webb were selected to represent the Stars and helped guide Team Suter to an impressive 6-2 win.

Gorscak led all scorers as he found the back of the net twice, scoring the first and sixth goals.  Rapone picked up an assist on Team Suter's second goal of the game.

"I was very happy for the four players that were selected to participate," said Esmark's 16U Head Coach Yuri Krivokhija, "they have worked hard all season and obviously gained attention from the selection committee."

"But I would have welcomed additional selections from our squad," Krivokhija continued, "as I believe another four or five players could have been easily included in the final mix. I felt bad they were left out of the mix ... but I am proud of the performance our kids showed." 

Several NAHL coaches were on hand and joined dozens of junior and NCAA scouts and a near capacity crowd to watch the young stars battle. 

The 2016 NAPHL All-Star Games featured players who are leading the way in the NAPHL, many of whom are considered top prospects in North America in their respective birth-years.

Following nominations from team coaches, the All-Star teams were selected based on player evaluations from NAHL Central Scouting throughout the first three months of the season.  The number of players selected from each team was determined based on the team's overall standings in league play.

Last season, 77 NAPHL players were tendered or drafted into the NAHL and USHL in large part because of the showcase events like the NAPHL 16U and 18U All-Star Games. With a strong handful of NCAA commitments, USHL call-ups and NAHL tenders already signed, the NAPHL is expecting another banner year in terms of player advancement, including those players appearing in this year’s All-Star Games.

“Both NAPHL All Star Games are great events and it makes it extra special this season that they are being played in cooperation with one another for the very first time. The NAHL Central Scouting team of scouts did a tremendous job tracking the league throughout the season and providing feedback on the top players in the NAPHL,” said NAPHL Director Lucas Trombetta. “Finalizing the rosters was a very difficult task.”